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The giant hogweed is a toxic attacker. It is so poisonous that it can trigger third degree burns and blindness. It is currently invading New York, growing at an exceptional speed. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is very concerned about the plant's progress. Article resource - Giant toxic plants invade New York by Newsytype.com.


Been here for a while



Several parts of the United States have had problems from the plant's steady growth. It is called a "federal noxious weed" by the United States Department of Agriculture. It is an invasive species to many states. This includes PA, Washington and Oregon. So notorious is the plant that it even spawned a song, "Return of the Huge Hogweed," popularized by the band Genesis.


Reality written in a book over fifty years back

Steph Willems is a Canadian writer that believes the huge hogweed is just like Triffids in "Day of Triffids" written in 1951 by John Willems. The plants in the book will prey on the world of blind people.


New York Residents see it



This season, there has been a lot more of the plant than usual. It is all over New York State right now. Officials say that it was spotted in Nassau County, Putman County and in Long Island along with 944 total sites. There have not been any New York City sightings yet. The DEC Huge Hogweed Program coordinator is Naja Kraus. He said, "Just because it has not been reported does not mean it isn't there."



Toxic and painful



The plant's scientific name is heracleum mantegazzianum. It creates large, umbrella-shaped flowers and can be over 12 feet tall. Mixing the sap with sunlight can trigger blindness and permanent scarring. It may even cause severe burns and painful blistering. Between the Black and Caspian seas, the Caucasus Mountains could be found where the plant came from. The first time it entered into the United States was in 1917. It was an ornamental garden plant back then.


Garden expert Mike McGrath called the sap "One of the most irritating, if not probably the most irritating plant substance on the planet." The sap is more than just an irritant, he states. He claims that calling it that is "almost like saying a gunshot wound is a minor injury."


Bad for children to play with



As the stalks of the plant are broken, the sap is released. Playing kids are especially interested in their distinctive long limbs. Kraus has reported listening to of children using the stems as telescopes, leading to severe burns around the eyes.



Do not do it yourself



If you have a plant near your home, do not remove it yourself. This can be a warning DEC officials have put out. There is an issue with the sap. That is how they could be splattered. Since the plant grows so easily, it does not do any good to cut the plant. Finding a plant could be a scary thing. Instead of trying to get rid of it by yourself, call the authorities to do it. There is a DEC Hogweed Hotline that you can call. It is at 845-256-3111.


Citations



Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/06/giant-hogweed_n_891281.html


The Daily Fairfield

thedailyfairfield.com/wellness/beware-giant-hogweed-fairfield-county



WTOP

wtop.com/?nid=884&sid=2448891



Invasive Plant Council of BC

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